C200

"Since you are the head of the Black Peak Stronghold, then you will be the one to tell us why you want to be the villain and harass the surrounding people?"

Ming Jiling asked.

This is a long story. I was a hunter in a small village a hundred miles away, and my harvest in these two years was not good, but the imperial government increased our taxes, and since the villagers could not pay that much rice, the yamen people directly came to snatch it. In these two years, who knows how many people died in the village.

"At that time, if it wasn't for the people from Black Peak Village who took me in, I'm afraid I would have already starved to death."

Wang Da Li's words immediately attracted everyone's agreement.

After some investigation, Ming Jiling finally understood that most of the people in the mountain stronghold were pitiful people who had nowhere to go and be taken in. Most of the things they held hostage were some ill-gotten gains, but recently, less and less people went on this road, so for a living, they had no choice but to rob the nearby houses.

"The imperial government has never raised taxes in all these years. I will go to the imperial government and if the situation is true, they will definitely punish the local officials severely."

After Ming Jiling heard what Wang Da Li said, his face darkened.

These local officials had quite the courage to oppress the commoners like this.

"If you are willing to submit to the imperial government and wait for the matter to come to light, I can recommend you to the military camp. As for the elderly, weak, and children, the imperial government will settle them."

Ming Jiling looked at Wang Da Li and the rest as he promised solemnly.

"I am Wang Dali, and I am willing to lead my brothers to submit to the imperial government. In the future, I will swear my loyalty to the imperial government."

Wang Da Li's face was filled with joy and he quickly led his brother to kneel down on one knee.

"Get up."

Ming Jiling quickly retracted his gaze, and said: "Since all of you are willing to submit to the imperial government, that would be for the best. I will immediately report this matter to the capital, tomorrow, you will follow the army and enter the capital."

"I, Wang Da Li, thank the Prince Su on behalf of the entire Black Peak Stronghold."

After Wang Da Li finished speaking, he kowtowed to Ming Jiling, his words full of gratitude.

He thought that he would surely die this time!

"Hurry up and get up. You don't need to thank me. If this matter is true, the imperial government will definitely return your innocence."

Ming Jiling extended out his hand to help her up.

Those women and children who were still crying softly previously all heaved a sigh of relief when they heard that their lives were not in danger. They immediately kowtowed to the children and expressed their gratitude, calling Ming Jiling a living Buddha of all living beings.

The depressed atmosphere in the yard was swept away.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please come in. Shall we stay in the village tonight?"

Wang Da Li happily led everyone into the courtyard, allowing Ming Jiling and the rest to sit at the leader's seat. He then ordered some people to make tea for them.

The next morning, the great army brought the Black Peak Stronghold's men down the mountain and returned to the imperial court.

On the way back, they added in the Black Peak Stronghold, so the army had to stop and rest for a few days before they finally arrived at the capital.

Ten miles outside of the city, everyone set up camp and rested.

"Brother Wen, I came out sneakily this time without telling anyone. Your army will enter the city later, and I'll go back later so that I won't attract the attention of others."

Shen Zhu walked out of the tent, and saw Su Zongwen sitting on the grass, and walked over.

Su Zongwen thought for a moment, and said worriedly: "Alright, but even though this place is not far from the capital, you need to be careful by yourself."

"Yes, I will pay attention."

Shen Zhu nodded and sat down next to the man.

"You're exhausted after traveling for more than half a day. Eat something to replenish your energy."

Su Zongwen took out an oily paper package from his side, turned around and handed it over to Shen Zhu, then took the water bottle from his hands, "Come, drink some water."

Shen Zhu took the things and drank two mouthfuls of water, then she took out the coarse grain cake inside the oil paper bag. She broke the big cake into two, and took half of it herself, and handed the other half over to Su Zongwen, "Brother Wen, do you also want to eat some?

"I'm not hungry, you eat." Su Zongwen laughed, and did not accept it.

"You didn't eat anything along the way. Why don't you have some together?" Seeing that he did not accept it, Shen Zhu directly placed half of the biscuit into his palm.

"You eat too."

Su Zongwen accepted the biscuit, broke off a piece and fed it to Shen Zhu.

The two of them sat side by side, eating rations while looking at the verdant scenery in front of them and chatting. Only when the great army left the camp did they reluctantly leave.

"Yue Niang, we'll be leaving first. You be careful."

Su Zongwen pulled Shen Zhu's hand and reminded him repeatedly.

"Won't Madame Su come back with us?"

General Liu had finished counting the people and was preparing to report to Ming Jiling when he heard his words.

"General Liu might not know, but his wife did not inform the Royal Father when she left the capital. Perhaps no one in the capital knows that she is here, so for safety's sake, she cannot enter the city with the army."

Ming Jiling stood beside Su Zongwen and explained everything after hearing General Liu.

"Your subordinate was inconsiderate."

"Lady Su is a rare and wonderful woman. It's a pity that we were in such a hurry this time and did not have enough time to ask Madam for guidance. After this matter is over, I will return to the border and when I see you again, I will definitely ask you for your military strategy and strategy. I hope you will kindly give me advice."

General Liu was originally a guard officer guarding the border gates, but upon returning to the capital, he chanced upon the matter of exterminating bandits, and because he had rich experience in fighting, he was sent to assist Ming Jiling.

Now, all of the bandits had been captured, and the Black Summit Stronghold no longer existed. After he returned to the capital and received his reward, he would leave the capital and return to defend the border. If he left, he probably wouldn't be able to see them again for three to five years.

"General Liu is too serious, I only know how to talk about military matters on paper, this time I was only lucky enough to succeed in one fell swoop, if I have any advice I can give you that would be useless, but if there is anything I can do to help in the future, General Liu, come find me as much as you can, I will do my best." Shen Zhu laughed.

"With Mistress Su's words, I feel at ease. Then let's part ways here. Take care, Madam Su."

General Liu cupped his fist and bowed.

"The borders are difficult, please take care, General Liu." Shen Zhu replied with a slight nod of his head.

"The army will leave immediately and return to the capital!" General Liu shouted as he led the army away.

Su Zongwen was worried that Shen Zhu would go back alone, so he intentionally sent a soldier with decent martial arts skills to wear casual clothes. He drove the horse carriage that Shen Zhu left outside the city to take her back.

Shen Zhu waited for the army to enter the city about the time it took to make a cup of tea before he felt relieved and sat on the carriage to return.

Minister Mansion

"Madam, the Young Madam is back." Xiao Cui rushed into the main yard to report.

Madame Chen was seated on the soft bed embroidering his shoes. Upon hearing Xiao Cui's announcement, he immediately stood up, his face revealing a look of worry: "Xiao Cui, are you saying that Yue Niang is back?"